Author: Adrine Hakobian

YEREVAN—The non-governmental organization Bnorran Historic-Cultural and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences are teaming up to study the mysterious Karahounge: the prehistoric archaeological site near the town of Sisian in the Syunik Province of Armenia, known as the Armenian Stonehenge.

The two institutions have long had conflicting opinions regarding the structure, and now they are joining forces to find out what Karahounge, aka Zorats Karer, was—an ancient astronomical observatory or a settlement that has a status of a mausoleum.

Bnorran Historic-Cultural NGO and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography signed an agreement on July 30 to join forces.

Karahounge is often internationally referred to as the Armenian Stonehenge. The construction date of the structure is unknown—presumably sometime between the Middle Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

Bnorran Board Member, Arevik Sargsyan, believes Carahunge was an ancient astronomical observatory.

“We think Karahounge—where more than 200 stones with 80 holes are located—is an ancient astronomical observatory, which was studied by Paris Herouni, with other experts having made similar opinions prior to his,” noted Sargsyan while referring to the late physicist’s views. Dating the megalithic structure from 5,500 BC, Herouni argued that some of the stones mirror the brightest star of the Cygnus constellation—Deneb.

“According to another opinion, Karahounge isn’t an astronomical observatory. It is simply an ancient site. A settlement, which has a status of a mausoleum,” stated Sargsyan.

Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Pavel Avetisyan, and archaeological expedition team leader, Ashot Piliposyan, explained that not a single astronomical tool has been discovered during excavations at the site, and, moreover, some of the stones also have holes in the lower parts, which aren’t directed at the stars.

Piliposyan emphasized the uniqueness of the monument in the entire Transcaucasia.

“It requires studies in all aspects. We discussed many issues during the signing of the agreement. We even considered the idea of potentially building a museum near the monument to display materials linked to the ancient site,” noted Piliposyan.

Both parties have agreed to suspend excavations at Karahounge until a joint seminar of astronomers, archeoastronomers, archaeologists, ethnographers, naturalists, and many other experts takes place to develop an official plan and conduct research, which will lead to a more specific conclusion of the origins of the site.

GLENDALE—This month marks the 3rd anniversary of the opening of the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri, Armenia, which was spearheaded by Armenian Cultural Foundations “We are Gyumri” Committee. The SYC allows for youth of all ages to join together for cultural, educational, and social gatherings, as well as lessons.

On July 11, the SYC held a successful event celebrating and marking its third anniversary. SYC’s Manager/Program Coordinator, Gohar Karapetyan, welcomed guests, reported on the Center’s activities, highlighted accomplishments, and provided an update on the “We Are Gyumri” Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Fund. The program included a dance performance, updates by volunteers and scholarship recipients regarding the Center‘s projects, and followed with a reception.

Yerkir Media’s coverage of the event is available below:

“We are continuing to collaborate with local, national, and international organizations and non-profits to ensure we develop programs and offer services that enhance and enrich the lives of youth in Gyumri. We strive to stay current with our program offerings and classes to maximize the impact we have on each child. One such program is Engineer Armenia,” Karapetyan noted.

Yerkir Media’s interview with Gohar Karapetyan is available below:

Engineer Armenia is a multipurpose program conducted by an interdisciplinary team of volunteers led by Karina Khadarian, a chemical engineering graduate from the University of California, Irvine. From July 8 to 10, 100 students from the Shirak province participated in an engineering day camp, which took place at Shirvanian Youth Center. The team conducted educational sessions about the fundamentals of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They also ran games and activities that incorporated these fundamentals, which were tailored to each age group. “The main goal of our day camp is to inspire and encourage the youth—the next generation of leaders—to pursue such career paths within Armenia, as well as to provide them with the basic fundamentals and tools,” stated Karapetyan.

Follow “We Are Gyumri” on Facebook and Instagram, and the Shirvanian Youth Center Facebook.

The mission of the “We Are Gyumri” is to create a positive and lasting impact on youth in Gyumri, Armenia (Shirak Region). The campaign restructured and renovated the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri, Armenia; a year-round functional program at the center teaches youth in Gyumri everyday skills, provides them with the essentials they need for a brighter future, and serves as a bridge between youth in Gyumri and their peers in the Diaspora. The “We Are Gyumri” Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Fund sponsors residents of the Shirak Region to pursue their undergraduate education in their native region.